Eddie Howe handed a lifeline to several Newcastle United players at the weekend. A settled side, playing in a 4-3-3 formation, has taken the Premier League by storm this season.
An exceptional run of form has prevented several first-team stars from having much of a look-in. Dan Burn, for example, is undroppable at left-back despite Howe having three natural alternatives to take his place.
Miguel Almiron and Joelinton, too, have been playing out of their skin for Newcastle. Their purple patch has meant Allan Saint-Maximin - who was unavailable on Saturday due to illness - is struggling to regain his place.
READ MORE: Newcastle players warned by Eddie Howe after awful misses as he makes Boxing Day admission
Against Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup, the Toon boss freshened up his side and offered a window of opportunity to the fringe players. However, the move backfired drastically.
For the eighth time in 13 years, Newcastle were dumped out of the competition in the third round as League One opposition eliminated the Magpies in consecutive years to highlight the lack of depth at Howe’s disposal.
If there is one silver lining from the upset, it is how much work needs to be done to elevate United’s squad to the level of their rivals. ChronicleLive has profiled the six players who may have blown ther golden chance to impress at Hillsborough.
Chris Wood
The player who endured the most criticism on social media at the full-time whistle. Supporters have often defended Wood’s goal return from critics since his £25million arrival, citing his off-the-ball work rate and aerial ability. But the performance against Wednesday makes it time to call a spade a spade.
Just five goals in 38 games - including two penalties - is not good enough for a side competing to reach the Champions League. Fans may point towards his role at the back end of last season for justification but, in truth, Wood has been a flop on Tyneside.
In the dying embers on Saturday, Joelinton unselfishly slotted the New Zealand international through on goal. With the goal at his mercy, the 31-year-old spooned a first-time effort over the crossbar.
A call-up to Newcastle Falcons could be on the cards if word of Wood’s attempt reaches Kingston Park. A trier, a battler, and a likeable character… but not good enough for Newcastle.
Jamal Lewis
It is hard not to feel sorry for Lewis.
Since arriving at St James’ Park, the left-back’s career has only gone in one direction. A crisis in confidence was clear in the opening stages against Hillsborough when he gifted an opportunity to Liam Palmer.
Like a rabbit under headlights, Lewis looked completely out of his depth. To his credit, this was his first Toon fixture since December 2021, which is hardly conducive to a match-winning performance.
Unless an injury crisis plagues the squad, it is hard to envisage Lewis playing for Newcastle again. Howe has not fancied him since his arrival and, once they return from injury, Matt Targett and Paul Dummett will be ahead of him - but behind Burn - in the pecking order.
Jamaal Lascelles
Club captain Lascelles deserves praise for his off-field leadership skills this season. Game time has been limited for the 29-year-old since the start of last year, with Burn, Fabian Schar and Sven Botman making him fourth-choice centre-back.
Instead of throwing his toys out of the pram, Lascelles has led by example and remained a consummate professional. His commitment was evident against Arsenal last week when he received a yellow card while warming up as a substitute.
However, the FA Cup defeat exposed exactly why he has been left out in recent times. Josh Windass rinsed Lascelles for pace on several occasions and his passing out from the back - or lack thereof - let Newcastle down.
A stalwart of the 2016-17 Championship-winning season, the Toon veteran should always be respected on Tyneside. Unfortunately for him, the Owls loss served as proof that the Magpies are now aiming beyond his capabilities as a defender.
Matt Ritchie
Like Lascelles, Ritchie too deserves special recognition at St James’ Park. He played the entire game against Sheff Wed, starting in midfield before moving out wide later on.
Father Time, though, is undefeated. And that fact was crystal clear at Hillsborough as Ritchie, who turns 34 this year, simply could not replicate a display from yesteryear.
It would be unfair to condemn him too much for the service he has given to Newcastle but, if anybody needed confirmation his days on Tyneside are numbered, they were given that on Saturday evening.
Ritchie’s contract expires in June and it is hard to see a playing career at the club beyond that. As one of Howe’s most trusted lieutenants, few would begrudge him a role as part of the coaching setup.
Elliot Anderson
These are the games the youngster is expected to perform in if he wants to forge a career at his boyhood club. For the first goal, Anderson and Longstaff were dumbfounded by the same Cruyff turn from George Byers.
Shortly after, the 20-year-old wasted an effort straight at Cameron Dawson from point-blank range. Given his age, supporters should err on the side of caution before ripping Anderson to pieces.
There have been glimpses of quality, especially on loan at Bristol Rovers last season. Perhaps another temporary move would be beneficial to all parties as, when called upon in the cups for Newcastle, a lack of first-team action makes him look rusty.
Jacob Murphy
Murphy has been around St James' Park long enough for Newcastle fans to know whether he is the long-term answer. The proof is in the statistics, with just six goals in 127 appearances.
A wasted opportunity in the first half could have given the Magpies a one-goal cushion heading into the break. But, as has often been the case throughout his time on Tyneside, the chance went begging.
Howe must feel frustrated when he turns to his bench and looks at the options available. This time, Murphy was given a starting berth, yet still failed to make an impact.
The Newcastle-fan-as-a-kid backstory is all well and good but that should not guarantee a place in the 25-man squad.
READ NEXT
Newcastle careers are in doubt, Eddie Howe apologises and owners see next phase of rebuild
Newcastle rocked, brutal Chris Wood moment and owners given huge transfer eye-opener - 5 things
Eddie Howe reveals men behind Newcastle's 'streetwise' transformation that left Arsenal fuming
Eddie Howe's top response to Arsenal and Liverpool moans as Newcastle boss stands up to Arteta
